![\"Dusi2CLogo.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-59773900-1371129297.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nWith the limited entry of 300 pairs almost fully subscribed, the race rules stipulate that at least one member of a team must have a map-loadable GPS on their bike.<\/p>\n
Race director Glen Haw says the decision to move towards a GPS based route was rooted in problems associated with traditional route marking.<\/p>\n
“Parts of the race move through populated areas, and we know from previous experience that children love removing or worse, moving markers,” said Haw.<\/p>\n
“Riders commit a lot of time and resources to taking part in a race like this, and they don’t want the frustration of having to deal with getting lost on the course. With a GPS you cannot get lost,” he added.<\/p>\n
The race committee will make the official race route GPS file available to entrants in the week before the race, and they have recommended that riders use either a Garmin Dakota 20, Edge 800, Oregon, Montana or eTrex 20\/30 GPS units, capable of handling the T4A maps that are being produced for the race.<\/p>\n
“Just as importantly, riders must get used to using the GPS before the race as well,” said Haw. “We recommend that all entrants become fully acquainted with their GPS units and settings prior to the race. It is a very, very bad idea to learn your GPS fundamentals during the race!”<\/p>\n
“It is critical that all entrants are familiar with adjusting their zoom level in\/out,” Haw added. “Due to the many concealed junctions and single track paths, we suggest a maximum zoom level of 80m-120m magnification.”<\/p>\n
The MTB community has long debated the advantages of shifting towards total GPS navigation for races. In recent weeks races have been adversely affected by strong winds blowing away course markers, leaving officials at major races with the problem of elite riders taking different routes.<\/p>\n
One race official even recounted how course markers were neatly and accurately moved, directing riders down wrong tracks, by cows scratching themselves on the route markers.<\/p>\n
Those opposed to the concept of pure GPS navigation cite the cost barrier that will prevent riders who are unable to afford top-end GPS units from taking part in these races.<\/p>\n
Riders who use GPS navigation regularly swear by them, as getting lost is almost impossible, and they provide accurate route, distance, elevation and speed information to the rider.<\/p>\n
Charles Roberts, the chair of the KwaZulu-Natal MTB Commission backed the move, saying the race would serve as a pilot project for a lot more races to follow suit.<\/p>\n
“I endorse it completely,” said Roberts. “It thrills me that a major KwaZulu-Natal race is leading the way, and Glen (Haw) needs to take full credit for this.”<\/p>\n
“I understand that there are two evils involved in races like this. One is the safety and security of each rider and the other is the cost of having to buy a GPS. But in my mind the cost factor is clearly the lesser of the two evils.”<\/p>\n
“To be honest, if we consider the cost of a decent mountain bike, the cost of a GPS is almost insignificant in comparison,” he added.<\/p>\n
Roberts pointed out that this was a global trend, and that in many countries riders can download maps of dangerous remote routes, allowing them to set off, even in total darkness, secure in the knowledge that they will not get lost.<\/p>\n
“I want to view the dusi2c as a test case,” Roberts added. “Let’s see if there are any complaints about each team having to have at least one GPS, and let’s see how easily the riders were able to download the maps and waypoints.”<\/p>\n
“Riders should be able to add in references and waypoints to set goals for their own performance, making monitoring your personal performance an added bonus,” said Roberts.<\/p>\n
“I love it. This could be the forerunner for many more races to come,” he added.<\/p>\n
The dusi2c mountain bike race takes place from Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg to Blue Lagoon in Durban onSaturday 22 and Sunday 23 June 2013.<\/p>\n